Formed in 1986, combining the operations of earlier DOE networking projects known as HEPnet (for high-energy physics) and MFEnet (for magnetic fusion energy research), ESnet is stewarded by the Scientific Computing Research Program,[1] managed and operated by the Scientific Networking Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is used to enable the DOE science mission.

ESnet provides the networking infrastructure and services required by the national laboratories, large science collaborations, and the DOE research community.

ESnet5– ESnet's fifth-generation network – launched in November 2012, providing increased bandwidth to DOE research sites.

To maximize the resiliency of the new infrastructure, ESnet equipment in Europe will be interconnected by dedicated 100 Gbit/s links from the pan-European networking organization GÉANT.

With a projected early finish in 2023, ESnet6 will purportedly feature a new software-driven network design that enhances the ability to rapidly invent, test, and deploy new innovations.